Tsunami Fact-sheet

Tsunamis commonly are refers to a series of ocean waves caused by a sudden disturbance of the ocean floor. The disturbances are caused due to earthquake or underwater sides which displaces a large mass of water. Tsunamis may also be caused by meteors or extra-terrestrial objects which may impact the surface of the ocean.

Reasons for Tsunamis

There are primarily two reasons which can cause tsunamis

Landslides: Underwater landslides can cause tsunamis when material loosed by the landslides movies violently, pushing the water in front of it.
Volcanic eruption: Generally a volcanic eruption can lead formation of tsunamis
Characteristics of Tsunamis

Tsunami waves possess varying characteristics
Tsunamis slow down but grow in height as they come ashore
They can reach as high as meters or more and may strike with devastating force
The waves travel at jet airliner speeds in deep ocean